More than 73% of dentists currently have an adequate number of dental assistants at their practice, according to a new report from the American Dental Association.
The ADA recently released its “State of the U.S. economy” report for the first quarter of 2026. The report includes economic data as well as information on consumer dental spending and staffing.
Here are three notes on the dental assistant shortage from the report:
1. More dentists have reported trying to recruit dental assistants compared to hygienists over the last two years. However, dentists have described the recruitment of dental assistants as easier than that of hygienists.
2. During the first quarter, 36.7% of dentists reported recruiting dental assistants. Nearly 70% of dentists described recruitment as “Very” or “Extremely Challenging.”
3. Here are the top five challenges dentists are experiencing when it comes to hiring dental assistants:
- Not enough applicants, assistant shortage
- Applicants not qualified or of poor quality
- Demand for high wages and benefits
- Applicants do not show up to interviews
- Location of practice makes recruitment challenging
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